First Monday of my retirement. I feel wonderful.

Thank God for all the benefits that I have.  No more work or even volunteering at Palms.

Let that chapter of my life pass.  Do volunteer work else where, if necessary.

Get final pay checks from Palms by calling pay roll.

Pay Andrew and the Bond Service.

Return the iPhone case thing, if possible.

See Rey and AJ today and Dennis Prager tomorrow.

Be happy and healthy as possible, with a positive attitude.

Make an appointment to see the knee specialist at Kaiser asap.

Mail back the forms to Mass Mutual.

Call Inga, Harold, Les, and Allan soon.

Live each day as if it were to be your last.  You don't know but that it may be.

Work hard and have a cheerful attitude, both internally and externally.

Keep up this daily account of events, Evernote, and all other means of recording my life as well.

Final Sunday at Palms. I'm retired now!

Awful night at Palms.  Poop in the dryer, almost a fight between Able and Ricky over the iPad, fingernail chewing Adam cruises thru his pics on Facebook and uses up almost all of my monthly data, unintentionally, of course.

Lots of demanding and unhappy kids.  Adell is no longer at Palms.

I misplaced my cell and looked for it for almost an hour.  I had to Skype it to find it.

I don't think now, that I want to volunteer at Palms at all.  I don't like dealing with the kids.  Too much trouble and not worth the effort.  Just call it a day is how I feel now.

Good Saturday at Palms. Normal day of computers

Said goodbye to Jonathan.  Quiet PM overall.

Good last Friday at Palms. Retirement party went well

The kids sang "Happy Retirement to you" to me twice.  I was very moved, particularly when Jonathan gave me a $100 Target gift card from Vista, probably the sups and Lukas.

Lukas said I could probably volunteer in the Conference Room when I get back from my road trip.  I look forward to going on the trip.

I have 300 hours of vacation pay accrued and 5 hours of sick pay as well.  Apparently they won't do the final accounting until I complete my Saturday and Sunday shifts, which seems strange.  Oh, well.

Only two more days of work at Palms.  Good for me.

Thursday awards banquet went well.

Good pm on the unit.  Took Varsety to Westminster to get his repaired prosthesis.  Good 6 to 10 pm, home again, and a good night was had by all.

Good last Wednesday at Palms. Did Retire letter.

Got last performance review by Michael, turned in letter of resignation, watched D put in a headlock by B, watched A hasseled by A because a H supervisor gave him a plastic crochet needle and a bag of yarn.

I loath the entire punitive attitude of most Palms staff toward the kids they supervise, but I will probably never see most of them again so I will let it go.  Why do sorry people take jobs where they can lord it over weaker people?  To make them selves feel better?  Who cares now?  Not me.

Pay Andrew, the Bond Service, deposit the car check, and return the form to Mass Mutual, and return the iPhone security pack, and all is well with me.

Prager at Ronald Reagan Library next Tuesday, when I am unemployed due to retirement.

Thank God for that.

Good Tuesday in Hollywood. Dinner at HTBuffet

Bought a new Amiga book at Opamp bookstore, bought #100 in music dvds at Amoeba records.

Didn't feel particularly hungry, so I ate at Home Town Buffet, which wasn't as good as Sizzler, as far as I can tell.  Expensive too.  No drink included with dinner, unless you pay extra.

Happy for the day.

I still need to do the resignation letter, pay Andrew and the Bond Service, deposit the car check, and return the iPhone case thing, and clean the apartment and get the car's heater fixed.

Time will tell.

Work Wednesday at 1pm, award lunch on Thursday, going away bbq on Friday pm.  I should be paid off, with my last review, bonus of 2%, or whatever, and the retro pay, plus my back vacation pay.

I hope they say I don't have to come in Saturday and Sunday, but time will tell.

Looking at apartments in Flagstaff, Arizona as a good place to move to, to be out of California and in a high dry climate.  We'll see.

Now noon on Tuesday. Getting things done now.

Pay Bond Service.

Pay Andrew

Write letter of resignation to Palms

Try to return the iPhone security thing.

Go to the Opamp store in Hollywood and then the record store again.

Write and print letter of resignation to Palms

Mail the two checks and deposit the one check

Get the book at ups in Van Nuys now.

Check the package from Mass Mutual

Be happy and healthy as long as possible.

Up Monday at 11am feeling well.

Mail checks to Andrew.
Mail check to Bond Service.
Pick up book at ups.
Deposit check from sale of Marion's car.

Have a good day and prepare for my retirement.

Call Robert for dental appointment.

Continue to be happy, healthy, and wise.

Look up Nancy and Laura on People Search.

Good Sunday at Palms. Somewhat sorry to leave it.

Good pm.

Nothing major to recall.  I am mildly down because I fear they will say no thanks to my offer to volunteer to the .  Too bad for all.  More time for me.

I took a printer and the audio thing home.  I'll be out for good next Sunday at the latest.

Good Saturday pm at Palms Mostly E and O

Nothing major as I recall.  J came looking for his wall charger, R wanted to awol, I over used my 4 GBs and was charged another $10 for the next data usage.

I really dislike the carriers.

I feel bad at Palms because I am reasonably sure they won't let me stay as a volunteer.  I will say, "OK, so long." and go out the door, as I am wont to do.

Mostly the kids will not be as happy as they could be, but I can't worry about the future of the world in general.

I'll simply leave on my trips sooner, and that is a good thing.  Perhaps a clean break is better.

Time will tell.

Good Saturday. Up at 9:30am feeling well.

Caught up on the posts here.  I still feel there will be a no thanks response for my offer to volunteer at vdm, which I take, of course, as rejection, as always, and then I withdraw, also, as usual.

Get the cd player for Eugene, the Pocket PC for Varsety, and a headphone adapter for Varsety.

Go get the second book not delivered by ups at the ups place.

Write and mail the checks to the bond service and to Andrew.

Return the iPhone case thing and try the helicopter thing.

Try to be positive and hopeful and have a good day and a good life.

Uncomfortable Friday at vdm. Worked on Ocean

Varsety had a poor pm.  His mp3 player stopped working and he threw a fit.  I felt uncomfortable but there was little I could do. 

The vdm program for his seems to be one in which we say:  Behave yourself, work your program, and then maybe we will help you with music and other good things.  He can't seem to behave himself.

I will try to bring him another clock radio and a  pocket pc or a Sony Clie, and a cd player for Eugene.

I think that I won't be able to volunteer for vdm.  It only takes one Supervisor, Director, Therapist, or Amy Jaffe to express the slightest concern and the answer will be no thanks.

I think the answer will be no thanks, which will be easier on me.  No issues with computers, music, or video games, or taking some kids out on outings.

As of this Saturday am, I am almost positive the answer will be no thanks.

I can withdraw with no problem.

I only have 7 days to work.  Saturday and Sunday, and Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday of next week.

I can hardly wait.  It might be a relief to simply cut the ties to vdm.  We'll see.

Called out Thursday at vdm. Saw Hugh and Ann

in San Benberdino instead. Ann and Hugh both talk well.  Ann is more funny.  Long ride and went to Santa Clarita Stater Bros and Wal Mart to shop.  Good day.

OK Wednesday at vdm. Lots of computers and stuff

Nothing important that I can remember this Saturday am as I write this.

Up at 630am feeling well. Get things done...

Mail check to the Bond Service and to Andrew.

Deposit the check for the station wagon.

Put more brake fluid in the Taurus, and get it washed in Encino.

Return the iPhone case soon.

Pick up the ups delivery.

Talk to the sups about the thought of being a volunteer at vdm.  Can I take kids out to outings at my expense in my car, two kids at a time?

Can I bring in computers and xboxs and iPads to the Conference room for the kids to use?

Should I talk with Linda Karchen?

Have a good day.

Good Tuesday. Walked out of Odyssey dinner...

because it was too cold, and the talk was mostly about how unsure the stock market is.  Bob's was too crowded, because nobody goes there anymore, and Lancer's was fine. Liver and onions was good.

To Amoeba Music for three seasons of SNL and 4 CDs for $6.  How can you beat that?

Taxes and iPad returned today. Breakfast at Lancers

Paid $1,533 to IRS for last year's income tax, due to SSA money, I guess.  No taxes due for CA.  Huh!

Returned the new iPad and had a good breakfast at Lancer's.

Half way through the Prince of Persia author's book.  Pretty good so far.

Tomorrow pay both Bond Service and Andrew and go to the annuity dinner at the Odyssey.

Have a good day.

Good Monday. Up at noon. The Zeo didn't record.

Or, it got the date wrong and erased the previous day's data.  Poor design of the data recording aspect.

Other than that, I want to do my taxes and return the iPad and eat well and have a good day.

It is now 408 pm and I will shower and go out soon.

Made reservations for the Annuity presentation tomorrow night.

Work hard to have a nice day.

Good Sunday at vdm. Fabian had many issues.

Talked with Lisa about the word "pat down" on the kids when they come back inside from the track or on visits.  Do we do an "enhanced pat down"?  How far should the pat down go?  Is the groin area ok?  How about the chest area?  Do staff pat down the legs of the resident? 

I also mentioned staff calling the kids to get their Skittles, which is a big joke about psycho tropic medicine, which many of the kids hate the side effects there of.  Or so I hear.

My point was that even simple words are taken by the kids to be insulting and demeaning and hurtful.

Otherwise, no major issues.

I have two weeks to go and one day of sick pay yet to take.  Good day otherwise.

Awake Saturday at 730am feeling well.

Ready to return the new iPad, eat at the hot dog place, and have a good day.

Put brake fluid in the car.

Got the new Epson printer and it seems ok.

Have a good day by working on making it better each day.

Only two weeks to go at vdm.  Thank God.

Good Friday at vdm, for a change.

Lorena noticed that I was retiring.  Games and computers for the kids.  There are three or four new staff around so that is good.  Jeremy, Eric, and Lance, to name a few.

Rained a lot Friday, but all was well.

Ate and slept well.

Up Thursday after almost 10 hours of good sleep

The Zeo is working well.  The iPhone wire in the car is ok.  I will put brake fluid in the car today.  and...

Return the broken Epson printer and get the new one at Fedex.

Return the iPad 3 to Apple.

Do my income taxes.

Do the estates income taxes if necessary.

Deposit the check for the station wagon.

Send the check to Andrew.

Send the check to the Bond Service.

Do the other chores necessary to keep up my life well.

Be happy and positive and forward looking, after I do the work I need and want to do.

Keep on keeping on.

Good Wednesday at vdm and at home.

To work late, but a good day with the kids and staff.  Lots of computers and video games for a change.

Told Jonathan and Lisa that I would really not like a retirement party or bar be que or what ever.

Nothing else of significance I can remember.

Tuesday was good. Saw iPhoto demo in MacMall

Ate well at Popeye's.  Cleared out well.  Stayed home otherwise.

Good Monday after a good sleep.

Called Epson and they show the replacement printer has already been signed for.  They will investigate.

Did not call Andrew for income tax help for Marion's estate.  I will tomorrow.

Now to return the Epson printer, return the new iPad, eat at Sizzler's, and take Rey and Alex out for dinner.  Have a good day and get the taxes done.

Do the other chores as well and have a great life.

Retire in three weeks and be happy.

Good Easter Sunday at vdm.

Good dinner for the kids, lots of computers and video games and all went fairly well.  Nothing important to remember here.

Good Saturday at vdm. Normal day

Worked normal day.  I recall little as of this Monday am as I write this.

Good Friday at vdm. Installed Win8 on Bia's netbook

Armando and crew don't even try to do any thing to the residents except give them orders with the threat of punishment behind them.

At 530pm, just as I was setting up the computers Armando announces that the kids have to go outside for at least 35 minutes, which ran into an hour.  Aaron and Varsety worked on paper craft, Luis played basketball, Gabe sat isolated with his hoodie on, Jesse chatted with Kirstin, and Jacob walked around the yard, and Robert had Panda Express with Nick.  All in all, it seems to have been an attempt to punish and frustrate the kids.

Certain staff, like Armando, seem to feel that they are not doing their jobs unless the kids are crying or cursing.  Oh, well.

Other than that, Bia's netbook runs well on Win8, particularly with an external hard drive, external keyboard and mouse, external storage, and external speakers.  Impressive.  Installation of Win8 via usb key was fast and flawless.  Good job.

Do laundry this weekend, taxes Monday, and dental work and have a great retirement.

Good Friday, and I think "Good Friday" as well.

Up at 9am after sleeping well.  Now to do the laundry and clean some of my wonderful apartment.

Thank God I only have three full weeks left at vdm.  Rey is ok and I will see him Monday night.

Keyondre has called and he is ok.  I should go see him for a change.  We'll see.

Monday do Marion's taxes and mine as well and have a good rest of my life.

Late post for Thursday. Sleeping well lately.

My car is running well, the sound is good, even the heat is ok.

Armando was back so the patsy's had a difficult night.  I think a lot of the staff feel that they have to have the kids cursing, crying, and extremely frustrated in order for the staff to feel that they are doing their job.  If the kid is happy the staff is not doing the job.

Make the kid cry, make the kid scream, make the kid cuss or you are a weak staff.

Oh, well.

I'll be out of there in about three weeks, thank God.

I mostly hate working there because I have to see the staff almost torture the kids over nothing.  The kid wants a glass of oj after an hour in the by playing basket ball and the answer is "No, drink water."  Why?  The staff doesn't want to interrupt his texting his friends to get up and open the refergirator and pour the oj.  Also water is easier.  Also, some staff believe water is better for the kid than oj is. 

What if the staff is kosher, or hilal, or vegetarian, or doesn't eat red meat, or any meat at all.  Can we impose our food choices arbitrarily on the kids just because we want to do so.  The staff already does.

Tough luck.  I hate a lot about my job, but I will miss it.  I have done it for ten years.  Good job.

Late post for Wednesday. Good day at vdm

Luis remains on CE.  Little interaction with Rehab.  Armando was out so the patsys (Luis and Aaron) had good pms.

Nothing else I can remember of note.

Up at 8:30am (Tuesday) for another good day.

Mail the two checks this am.
Get tires rotated and audio adjusted.
Go to the user group meeting at 7pm.
Return the iPad and the new printer.
Do laundry.
Call Harold.  Email Allan and Les Soss.
Call Inga.

Continue to be happy, healthy, and wise.

Be grateful for all that I have, none of which I earned.

See the dentist today if possible.

Be thankful that I had my haircut yesterday by Ed, thank God.

Keep up the good work.

Good Monday, up at 8am and getting to go...

Write three checks, get hair cut, tires balanced and rotated, and Taurus audio system fixed.  Then go see the three guys for this month.

Happy to be able to do all the things I love to do.

Hard work Sunday at home and at work

Printed almost 100 pages for Aaron and Jesse, xbox to Adam, which made Sequin unhappy.  Luis remains on ce, but he seems paranoid, confused, and unstable.  The vdm therapeutic process will make him mad and he will suffer the consequences.  Oh well.

I will work today to make my life better.

First, pay the rent, mail checks to Andrew and the Bond Service, get my tires balanced, get the dip switches adjusted, eat well, and finally, go see AJ, Rey, and Alex.  Hard day again.

I have also to get a hair cut, see the dentist, and only work4 weeks, or twenty more days at vdm.

It is hard work on me.  I dislike the hostile attitude of most of the staff toward the kids, but I am almost out of there, so no problem.

I want to buy a copy or two of the world maps at Fry's, eat well today, and be happy with my life as it is now.

I also want to go look at the cruise America trucks, and consider buying one for my cross country trip.

Now let's go, baby love.

Hard work on a Saturday. Luis on CE, Derick on

painting for himself all pm.  Derick seems to think that the right way to do things is for him to paint all pm, or to watch sports all pm.  His shift partners should take care of making dinner while he takes at least an hour break, with pay.  Oh, well.  Four weeks and I am out of there.

Many of the ydc workers seem to be re actors, rather than pro actors.  That is they let the kid's frustration build up until he snaps and does something foolish, like proceed to awol on his knees, like Varsety did last night.  Then the staff and kids laugh at Varsety, which makes him feel even worse.

Goals for Monday:  4-2-2012

Pay Andrew

Pay the Bond Service

Do Marion's income tax.

Deposit the $200 check for the Mercury station wagon.

Get my hair cut.

Detail my car.

Get the tires rotated.

Get the sound system enhanced.

Return the new iPad.

Return the new location aware iPhone case.

Do laundry.

Clean my wonderful apartment.

Be thankful that I feel well physically.

Be thankful that I feel well emotionally.

Be thankful for my wonderful apartment.

Be thankful for my wonderful Taurus.

Be thankful for my well paying, and easy to do, job, which will end in four weeks, Thank God.

Enjoy my retirement for as long as I am fortunate to have it.

Keep a positive attitude and be more physically active.